Fluid spreading apparatus

ABSTRACT

Fluid spreading apparatus comprising a discharge head structure including at least two spaced apart head portions adapted to direct fluid outwardly in different directions. Each head portion disclosed is a coil of tubing having several upstanding convolutions, each with outwardly directed fluid-emitting openings. The inner end portion of the tubing in each coil is fixed on the head structure and each corresponding outer end portion is rotatably adjustable about its own axis to vary the fanwise spread configuration of the coil to vary the trajectories of fluid streams projected through the fluid-emitting openings. Valve means between the head portions and in series with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure is operative cyclically to effect a gradual decrease in the flow of fluid from the supply conduit to one of the head portions and a gradual increase in the flow of fluid from the supply conduit to the other of the head portions. This cyclically decreases and increases the distance that discharged fluid is projected from the head portions thereby simulating an oscillating appearance in the fluid streams projected. The valve means is automatically operated by a fluid motor driven by fluid flowing from the supply conduit to the head portions.

United States Patent Springer [451 Aug. 1,1972

[54] FLUID SPREADING APPARATUS [72] Inventor: Edward M. Springer, Chicago, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Keith K. Nicolls, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

[22] Filed: Sept. 14, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 71,763

52 us. Cl ..239/101, 239/010. 3, 239/567, 239/569 [51] 1m. (:1. ..B05b 1/08 [58] Field of Search ..239/10l, 569, 567, DIG. 3; D23/6, 7, 8; 137/625.41, 624.13; 251/59 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,999,804 4/1935 De Loria ..239/l01 X 3,459,377 8/1969 Van Der Hulse ..239/562 X Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant ExaminerEdwin D. Grant Attorney-Davis, Lucas, Brewer & Brugman [5 7] ABSTRACT Fluid spreading apparatus comprising a discharge 1 head structure including at least two spaced apart head portions adapted to direct fluid outwardly in different directions. Each head portion disclosed is a coil of tubing having several upstanding convolutions, each with outwardly directed fluid-emitting openings. The inner end portion of the tubing in each coil is fixed on the head structure and each corresponding outer end portion is rotatably adjustable about its own axis to vary the fanwise spread configuration of the coil to vary the trajectories of fluid streams projected through the fluid-emitting openings. Valve means between the head portions and in series with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure is operative cyclically to efi'ect a gradual decrease in the flow of fluid from the supply conduit to one of the head portions and a gradual increase in the flow of fluid from the supply conduit to the other of the head portions. This cyclically decreases and increases the distance that discharged fluid is projected from the head portions thereby simulating an oscillating appearance in the fluid streams projected. The valve means is automatically operated by a fluid motor driven by fluid flowing from the supply conduit to the head portions.

15 Claim, 22 Drawing Figures sum 2 or 6 ATTOPNE VS PATENTEDAUB 1 1972 Pmmm 1 m2 SHEET 3 BF 6 INVENTOR.

Edward M. Springer Fig. 9

ATTORNEYS PATENTEBAUG 1 1912 SHEET 0F 6 Fig 13 Fig. 12

INVENTOR Edward M. Springer BY 9 av d, Rim, 512m {flaw A 7' TORNE V5 PATENTEDA 1 m 3.680.783

' SHEET 5 0F 6 I NVENTOR,

Edward M. Springer I BY A T TOPNE VS PATENTEDMIE 1 I97? 3680.783

sum 6 or 6 INVENTOR.

Edward M, Springer BY 94 mrQz L W, 57.82am f A T TORNE VS v t i FLUID SPREADING AP AitA'it's BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In sprinkling lawns, gardens, fields, and the like, it is important to avoid flooding and wasteful runoff. This will not occur if the sprinkler is periodically moved or turned off, long enough for water to soak into the ground.- For this purpose, conventional sprinklers are made in rotating. oscillating; and intermittent types.-

The rotating type has a sprinkler head which rotates and covers a circular area. Theoscillating type has a sprinkler head which oscillates back and forth and covers an elongated area. The intermittent type has two or more individual sprinklers located throughout an area to be watered, and a special flow control valve such as that shown in Kubik US. Pat. No. 3,512,543 automatically directs water to one or more of the sprinklers in sequence. j

'Ihe apparatus needed to vary the shape and size of thearea watered by such conventional sprinklers is I complicated and expensive, and is only. limitedly adjustable.

When conventional sprinklers of the oscillating type are used to cover large areas, they project water high in the air where it may be lost or diverted by windy conditions. j

I Prior tothis invention, I have heretofore made a fluid spreading apparatus in the form of a sprinkler head having a single coil of tubing with fluid-emitting apertures. When that coil was supplied with water at a con- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A generalobject of the present invention is to pro.- vide a fluid spreading apparatus having a discharge head structure which neither oscillates nor' rotates while simulating the fluid projection of an oscillating-or rotating movable sprinkler head. V

' Another object of this invention is to provide simple and reliable fluid spreading apparatus which is infinitely adjustable to change the shape and size of the area over which fluid is distributed.

Another object is to provide a fluid spreading apparatus capable of projecting fluid to the outer limits of the sprinkled area at a relatively low trajectory, to minimize the effect of wind on the projected fluid.

' A specific object of this invention is to provide fluid spreading apparatus in which a discharge head structure includes at least two apertured head portions adapted to project fluid in different directions-. while remaining stationary, and valve means cyclically'etfective to increase and decrease the flow of fluid through the head portions to correspondingly increase and decrease the distance that the discharged fluid is projected from each head portion thereby simulating an oscillating or'rotating appearance to the fluid projected from the. head portions.

Another specific object is to vprovide fluid spreading apparatus having headportions with aperture means adapted to project fluid in different directions, each head portion being adjustable to vary the trajectory of the fluid projected through the aperture means thereof.

' Another specific object is to provide such fluid spreading apparatus in which the head portions are coils of tubing having upstanding, apertured convolutions which are adjustable to vary the trajectories of projected fluid streams.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the drawings, in which:

FIG. I isa perspective view of a discharge head structure illustrating one embodiment of a fluidspread ing apparatus made according to the present invention and having two coiled head portions made of precoiled, apertured tubing;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the discharge head structure shown in FIG. I illustrating, in solid and broken lines,

different fanwisespread configurations of the coiled head portions for varying the trajectory of the fluid projected by each head portion;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged'fragmentary, vertical cross-sec I tion of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3',

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-section of FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4;

FIG.'5 is a vertical cross-section of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5;

FIG. 5a is a fragmentary cross-section of FIG. 5, taken along line 5a-'-5a;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical cross-section of FIG. 5, taken along line 6-6, showing valve means for directing fluid'cyclically to and through aperture means in the head portions;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7, showing the valve means in position to maximize fluid flow thro'ugh'the coiled head portion on the left hand side in FIG. 2; I 4

FIG. '8 is a side view of the discharge head structure as illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the trajectories of fluid projected by the two head portions when the valve means is inthe position shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the fluid trajectory shown in FIG. 8;

- FIG. I0 is a view similar to FIG. -7, showing the valve means in one intermediate position to project a minimum flow of fluid through both head portions;

FIG. 11 is a side view similar. to FIG. 2 but showing the trajectories of fluid projected by the two coiled head portions when the valve means is in eithenof the positions shown inFlG. 10 or FIG. 14;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the valve means turned to the opposite position to maximize fluid flow through the coiled head portion on the right hand side in FIG. 2;

FIG. I3 is a side view of the discharge head structure similar to FIG.'8, but showingthe trajectories of fluid projected by the two head portions when the valve means is in the position shown in FIG. 12. I FIG". 14 is a view similar to FIG. I0, but showing the 3 FIG, i6 is similar to FIG. 1155, showing the discharge head structure adjusted fanwise for a very narrow parkway;

FIG. 17 is a view, similar to FIG. 6, but showing a modified form of valve means;

FIG. 18, a view similar to FIG. 7, is a cross-section of FIG. 17 taken along line 18- 18.

FIG. l9-is a fragmentary side view, partly in vertical cross-section, of a modified form of the invention in Which the separate head portions are coils made from straight, apertured tubing held in coiled form by the arrangement shown, this view also being seen in the direction of the arrows 19-19 in FIG. 20; r FIG. 20 is a view of FIG. 1) taken in the direction of arrows 20 -20;

FIG..21 is a view similar to FIGS. 7 and 18 but to a larger scale and showing a further modified form of I valve means; and

FIG. 22 is an outline of the surface contour of the valve spool shown in FIG. 2i with labels identifying thesignificant, operative surface sections.

stand 26 having a pair or down-turned legs 28, 28 'car- ,rying elongated runners 30, 30 in a known fashion. The

stand is connected to the housing and runners by rivets 32 and'33 respectively (FIG. The sprinkler head means has at least one dispersing'head portion, shown here as a coil 34 of tubin'g. This has specific advantages which will be described. In the embodiment illustrated, two tubing coil head portions 34 are mounted on an elongated horizontal plate 36. This plate is fastened as bywelding ass to the housing cover 40. Only one coil 34 will be describedhereinafter in detail because both are substantially identical.

Each coil 34 may be made of plastics or metal tubing.

Each includes a set of generally upright convolutions,

in this case three, upstanding from the base 22. The

without clamping the Among the plastics materials suitable for this purpose are polyarnide (Nylon"), polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. I have successfully used Nylon and a 'generallyconical outer surface 41 (FIG. '7) with two opposed, vertical flat sides 43,43.

The valve casing 44 has a cylindrical bore 48 (FIG.

6) defining a distribution chamber 50, the lower end of a l which opens to the interior of housing 24$. The valve casing 44 has a pair of opposed outlet ports 52, 52 which connect with outlet pipes 54,54. Each of the latter has a circular cross-section bore intersecting the mainvalve bore 48. This provides a circumferentially tion 60 of each coil of tubing is fixed against rotation on embodiment in FIGS. 1-18 is made of pre-coiled tubing v to maintain the convolutions uniform in shape and size intermediate convolutions.-

elongated elliptical opening for a function and advantage to be described.

The valve spool 46 has a cylindrical closure surface 56 (FIG. 6) substantially matching the diameter of the bore 48, and it has an open side defined by a flat surface 58. Each area of the bore 48 surrounding one of the outlet ports 52 comprises a cylindrical valve seat .which may be opened and closed by rotation of the" spool 46 past-it.

As will be described, it is not essential for the spool to close the valve seats perfectly tightly.

The tubing for each coil 34 has a fixed inner endportion 60 (FIG. 6) and a rotatably adjustable outer end portion 64 (FIGS. 5 and 5a).

Inner end portion 60 (FIG.'6) maybe fixed by adhesive or by a shrink fit, or by a clamp, to the respective valve outlet pipe 54. Band clamps 62 are shown for this purpose. 1

Each outer end portion 64 FIG. 5a) is rotatably adjustable about its axis and held in adjusted position by friction. Each is fluid-sealed by an inserted cylindrical plug 66 having a circumferential groove 68'into which some of the tubing wall may be contracted by a U- clamp 70. Each of the latter has threaded ends 74 held in apertures in plate 36 by tension-nuts 76. The adjustment of these nuts determines the frictional grip of the clamps on the tubing end portions 64.

Contracting the tubing wall into the groove68 (FIG.

5a) holds it .against longitudinal movement. Friction between the clamp 70 and the tubing, regulated by tension nuts 76, holds the tubing in any adjusted position of rotation about its own axis. This holds the coil tubing uniformly twisted from end to end.

By the construction just described, the inner end porthe base, and the outer end portion 64 is rotatably adjustable about its own axis toprovide a fine degree of control and uniformity in adjusting the fanwise spread configurations of the coiled head portions.

Each coiled head portion 34 may have any. suitable number of convolutions. Three are illustrated (See FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 5a and 6), as follows:

.an inner convolution 82 (FIGS. 2 and 6), including the fixed inner end portion 60 fixed responding valve outlet pipe 54;

an outer convolution 86 (FIGS. 2 and 50), including the rotatably adjustable outer end portion 64; and

an intermediate convolution 84 (FIG. 2) connected respectively between convolutions 82 and 86, and

reely supported relative to the base (by contrast,

note that convolution 84 is clamped, where nonpre-coiled tubing is used, as shown in the modification in FIGS. l9 and 20).

More, or less, than three convolutions may be employed but preferably they will have an inner convolution with an inner end portion fixed to an outlet pipe 54, and an outer convolution with an outer end portion which is rotatably adjustable about its axis. Pivotal movement of the outer convolution will thereby uniformly twist or torque the tubing, spreading or contracting the coil fanwise, uniformly from the outerend of the outer convolution to the inner end of the inner convolution.

The elements within the housing 24 which enable the discharge head structure to project fluid in a manner to a corwhich simulates the action of an oscillating sprinkler, without moving the coil head portions 34,34, will now be described.

Although it may be made in any suitable shape, the housing 24 shown is square, having four side walls 88, 90, 92, 94 upstanding from the bottom wall 96. An inturned edge 98 around the top periphery of the housing provides an effective bearing surface for a gasket 100.

The cover 40 is fastened to the housing by cap screws 102 engaged with internally threaded openings 104 tapped into housing bosses 106.

On the inner sides of opposed walls 90 and 94 (FIG. 4), the housing has a pair of opposed, vertical slideways 108' and 110. Each slideway is defined by a pair of horizontally spaced inwardly extending vertical walls 112 terminating in a common transverse vertical wall 114 having a vertical slot 116 with an open upper end.

The slideways 108, 1 provide a ready means for assembling and disassembling the components within the housing. 7

A worm shaft 118 is rotatably joumaled by bearing blocks 120 and 122 seated within the slideways 108,110. The ends of shaft 118 extend through vertical slots 116. A water wheel 124 is fast upon a reduced diameter intermediate portion 126 of the worm shaft 118 and is seated against shaft shoulder 128.

The entire subassembly consisting of the worm shaft 118, water wheel 124, and bearing blocks 120, 122 may be bench assembled externally and simply dropped through the top of the housing into the upwardly open slideways 108, l 10.

The worm shaft 118 has a worm 130 meshed with a worm wheel 132 (FIG. 4). The worm wheel 132 has integral upper and lower hubs 136, 138 (FIG. 5) and is fastened to a rotatable vertical shaft 134 by a pin or rivet 140 extending through the upper hub 136.

The bottom end portion of shaft 134 (FIG. 5) is assembled by inserting it into an open-ended, vertical sleeve bearing 141 upstanding from and integral with the housing bottom wall 96. The upper end portion of the shaft 134 is journaled within a bearing opening 142 in a horizontal plate 144 which is fastened by screws 146 (FIG. 4) into tapped openings 148 in bosses 150.

The top end portion of the shaft 134 is fastened by a pin or rivet 152 to rotate the spool 46.

As shown in FIG. 3, a conventional or othersuitable fluid inlet coupling means 154 is adapted to be connected with a supply conduit or hose. The coupling has a body 156 sealed to the housing side wall 92, as by welding or brazing at 158. A fluid inlet nozzle 160 delivers fluid under pressure through its curved end 162 directly to the periphery of the water wheel 124, causing the latter to rotate.

A vertical plate 164 separates the interior of the housing beneath the plate 144 into two compartments. A slot 166 (FIG. 4) is provided in the upper edge of plate 164 for the worm shaft 118. The vertical edges of the plate 164 are retained in vertical grooves 168 in bosses 150.

The above-described components in the housing may be disassembled simply by removing screws 102 and 146 (FIG. 4), and lifting the components from slideways 108, 110 and from bearing 141.

To water an area with the discharge head structure described, a hose (not shown) connected to a supply (not shown) of water under pressure will be attached to the inlet coupling means 154. Water entering the coupling under pressure rotates the water wheel 124. This turns shaft 1 18 and its worm 130, thereby rotating worm wheel 132, shaft 134 and spool 46. Water under pressure fills the entire interior of the housing 24 and flows into distribution chamber 50 of the valve 42.

As the rotating spool 46 uncovers one of the outlet ports 52, water flows into the corresponding coil head portion 34 and emits through the outer radial openings 170 in the tubing walls of the convolutions 82, 84 and 86.

Where the convolutions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have an outside diameter of 7 to 8 inches, the apertures 170 may be one thirty-second inch diameter and approximately 1 inch apart along the outer periphery of the convolutions. Where six such apertures are provided in each convolution, symmetrically disposed on both sides of center, and where the convolutions are spread to their maximum as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2, and the Water supply pressure is 15 to 25 psi., a rectangular ground area about 40 ft. by 20 ft. will be sprinkled. Where ten such apertures are provided in each convolution, an approximately circular area about 32 ft. in diameter will be sprinkled under the same conditions.

The intersection of the cylindrical bore 48 and the circular inside diameters of valve outlet pipes 54, provides a desirable shape for the outlet port openings 52. These openings as traced around the circumference of bore 48 are slightly elliptically elongated in the direction of the rotation of the spool. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the intersection of the flat surface 58 with the outer cylindrical spool surface 56 generates sharp corners along leading and lagging edges 172 and 174, respectively. As the leading edge 172 moves across the first half of one of the outlet ports 52, to open it, the port is opened smoothly and progressively. The above-mentioned slight circumferential elongation of the outlet port enables it to open without abruptness. Likewise, and for the same reason, as the lagging edge 174 moves from the halfway point to the closed position, the spool 46 closes the port smoothly and progressively without an abrupt shutoff. This effect can be improved by deliberately providing elliptical cross-section bores in the ports 52. Another means for regulating flow into ports 52, 52 will be described in connection with FIGS. 21 and 22.

This is a very substantial advantage in sprinkler action because it simulates to a remarkable degree the smooth, progressive sweep of fluid dispersed by conventional moving, oscillating or rotating sprinkler heads, but without any external moving parts.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the fluid that is projected from the head portions turns the spool 46. This is a sort of series relationship in which, if the water wheel stops, the spool stops, and vice versa. This, of course, is not a limitation on all discharge head structures employing the principles of the present invention.

It is therefore important in the particular design illustrated to maintain some fluid flowing at all times.

For this purpose, any one of the three following variations of the invention can be employed:

1. The seal between the cylindrical outer surface 56 of the spool 46, and the cylindrical seats surrounding the outlet ports 52, may deliberately be made less than perfect. This would provide a controlled amount of leakage, even during a momentary intermediate position when the spool covers both outlet ports. This would enable a minimum flow, as shown in FIG. 11, to and through both coil head portions 34,34 even at such intermediate positions of the valve spool.

. The circumferential extent of flat 58 over the body of the spool may be formed so that one of the outlet ports 52 always begins to open before the other closes. Such an overlapping condition is shown in FIGS. 10 and 14 where the spool directs a small amount of fluid simultaneously to both outlet ports 52.

3. As shown somewhat exaggerated in FIGS. 17 and 18, a small, circumferential groove 176 may be provided in the cylindrical surface 56 of the spool. The controlled minimum flow provided by such groove will keep the spool rotating. (Note in FIG. 18 that the flat 58a is not cut into the spool as deeply as flat 58 in FIG. 10; thus, in FIG. 18, there is no overlap, and it would therefore be possible to close off both outlet ports 52 simultaneously by the cylindrical portion of the spool 46 except for the flow enabled by groove 176).

The ground area covered by projected fluid can be regulated by adjusting the fanwise spread of one or both of the coil head portions 34. This can be done manually by moving the outer convolution 86 inward or outward to rotate the corresponding outer end portion 64 of the tubing within the friction clamp 70. This places a slight, uniform torque or twist on the tubing throughout the entire length of the coil head portion. The convolutions thereby spread or contract uniformly. FIG. 2 shows one fanwise spread configuration of both coil head portions, in solid lines; and another, wider spread configuration, in broken lines.

For projecting fluid the maximum distance, to cover the greatest ground area, the outer convolution 86 should be adjusted to about the 45 position shown in broken lines in FIG. 2.

Refer now to FIG. 15. If the discharge head structure 10 is used, for example, in a parkway 178 between a sidewalk 180 and a curb 182, the coil head portion 34 next to the sidewalk may be turned up to its full vertical position and the other coil head portion 34 may be suitably adjusted to project fluid over the parkway. The vertical left hand coil disperses vertical sheets of water on the parkway along the sidewalk. This avoids sprinkling pedestrians on the sidewalk. This same adjustment can be employed along a building to avoid waterspotting windows. It applies extra water where it is needed most along a concrete foundation or sidewalk where the ground tends to dry out.

FIG. 16 shows another configuration where both coils are adjusted to their full vertical positions. This adjustment is unique for the present invention, and is applicable to a very narrow space, such as a parkway 184 between a sidewalk 186, or the like, and a curb 188. The ability to water long, narrow areas without wetting adjacent areas is a special advantage of this invention. Using the double vertical adjustment of both coil head portions as shown in FIG. 16, the discharge head structure described can water a long, narrow area without significant overspray.

The ground area watered by the discharge head structure 10 can further be varied by adjusting the pressure of water entering the inlet coupling 154.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a modified form of manually releasable friction lock generally designated this is especially useful where the coil head portions 34a, 34a are made from straight tubing (not precoiled as described for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The coil head portions may be apertured as described above for head portions 34,34.

There are two friction locks 190. Both are identical so only one will be described.

Lock 190 comprises a saddle 194, a clamp bar 196, a guide bolt 198, and a spring 200.

Each saddle 194 has a series of upwardly facing grooves 202, 204 and 206, shaped to fit and receive the convolutions 82a, 84a and 86a as shown in FIG. 19.

The clamp bar 196 has similar, downwardly facing grooves 212, 214 and 216, engaging convolutions 82a, 84a and 86a. Each clamp bar has an inner end portion 208 pivoted in one of the horizontal grooves 210 formed in each side of a valve housing 192. The opposite end portion of each clamp bar has a manually engageable extension 218 and a through-bore 220 through which the guide bolt 198 extends.

The bolt has a large flat head 222 and is fixed to the saddle 194 by a threaded joint 224.

The spring 200 is compressed between the bolt head 222 and the top of the clamp bar 196, thereby urging the latter downward to frictionally grip the convolutions between the grooves 202/212, 204/214 and 206/216. This holds the convolutions in any selected fanwise spread configuration. It also holds the convolutions against slippage lengthwise of the tubing.

To change the spread configuration of either coil 340, the corresponding friction lock 190 is released by squeezing the head 222 and the clamp bar extension 218 between the operators thumb and finger. This pivots the bar upward about groove 210, and releases the convolutions so they can readily be spread or contracted to provide a different trajectory for fluid projected from the head portions. Locking is automatic, simply by releasing the clamp bar, thereby enabling the spring 200 to re-compress the convolutions between the bar and saddle, as shown in FIG. 19.

Friction locks 190 are especially useful if the coils 34a are made from ordinary, straight tubing which tends to straighten after it is coiled into convolutions 82a, 84a and 86a. Such a friction lock holds the convolutions in a selected fanwise configuration, and keeps the coil diameters substantially uniform.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, valve means 42a is identical with valve means 42, except for the cross-sectional contour of the spool 226 which will now be described in detail.

Spool 226 is rotatable about the center 228 of the cylindrical bore 48a. The extent to which the radius of a circumferential sector of the spool is less than the full radius r (FIG. 22) determines the extent of opening of the valve and, therefore, the volume of fluid projected by the coil head sections 34.

The spool surface 230 in FIGS. 21 and 22 comprises the following discrete circumferential sectors, taken in order of rotation past either of the outlet ports 52a:

opening sector ab having a gradually decreasing radius, providing gradually increasing flow;

leakage between surfaces 48a and 230 when lapped).

FIG. 21 shows the valve spool in position to fully close the right hand port 52a, and to fully open the left hand port 520. Continued counter-clockwise rotation beyond the FIG. 21 position moves point a to uncover the right hand port 52a, gradually increasing flow into the right hand port. I

The opening spool sector ab and closing sector cd may be contoured so the flow into one outlet port 52a is complementally increased when it is reduced into the other outlet port. This enables the total flow to be maintained substantially constant for all rotative positions of the spool. This uniformity, and the ability to maximize flow for each discharge head structure is a substantial advantage both in lawn sprinkling and field irrigating applications.

Many variations in movement of the spray pattern can be had by changing the circumferential and radial dimensions of the spool sectors ab, bc, cd and da, and the diametrical proportions of the bore 48a and the outlet ports 520. As an example, but not by way of limitation, spool sector ab is longer (circumferentially) than sector cd. This provides a relatively slow build-up in volume of fluid projected from each head portion 34 and a somewhat more rapid decline of it.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-20 will now be described.

In operation, the inlet coupling means 154 may be connected to the end of an ordinary garden hose extending from a supply controlled by a shutoff valve. Theshut-off valve may be used to regulate the area watered by varying the pressure of the supply.

Water entering through the inlet nozzle 160 turns the water wheel 124 at a speed which depends on the rate of flow and the pressure.

Although the direction'of rotation of the spool 46 is ordinarily not significant, it is here shown counterclockwise on all embodiments and is so marked by arcuate arrows on FIGS. 7, 10, 12, 14 and 21.

When the valve spool is in the FIG. 7 position, full flow is directed through the left hand coil 34. A minor flow through groove 176, or due to leakage around the spool, may occur but, as stated above, this is not objectionable and may even be advantageous in improving the appearance of the spray pattern. At this spool position, fluid will be dispersed, as shown in FIG. 8, with a maximum volume projected through the left hand coil head portion 34 or 340 and a relatively small volume (or none if the valve spool is absolutely tight) through the right hand coil head portion.

As the spool 46 continues to rotate from the FIG. 7 or FIG. 18 position, it gradually and smoothly closes the left hand outlet port 52. When it reaches an intermediate position such as that shown in FIG. 10 or 14, there is a short time interval of slight overlap, during which fluid flows in relatively small volume to both coil head portions with trajectories of projected fluid being generally as shown in FIG. 1 1.

Further rotation of the spool from the FIG. 10 position opens the right hand outlet port 52, smoothly building up the trajectory of fluid projected through the right hand coil head portion, until the spool reaches maximum flow in its FIG. 12 position. At this time,

some minor flow can occur through groove 176, or some leakage may enter the left hand outlet port 52, projecting a minimum flow through the left hand coil head portion. This trajectory, with maximum and minimum flows through the right and left coil head portions, respectively, is shown in FIG. 13. Further rotation of the spool from the FIG. 12 position gradually reduces the flow through the right hand coil until the spool reaches the intermediate position shown in FIG.

14. This is the reverse of the position shown in FIG. 10

fluid being generally as shown in FIG. 11.

Further rotation of the spool from the FIG. 14 position increases flow through the left hand coil head portion until it returns to the full flow position of FIG. 7,

' after which the above described cycle is repeated.

The operating cycle for the modified spool 226 in FIGS. 21 and 22 is substantially as described above, except that, in the intermediate positions corresponding to FIGS. 10 and 14, flow from each coil head portion 34 will be at a substantial rate, possibly as much as half the normal maximum flow rate through either head portion.

As the spool-rotates, fluid is projected from each coil head portion in a plurality of streams, depending on the number and direction of fluid-emitting openings 170, in a trajectory which gradually increases to a maximum and then decreases to a minimum for each coil head portion in succession. Constant, automatic repeat of this cycle creates an overall effect which simulates that reduced, by throttling the shutoff valve for instance,

the cyclic rate is reduced and the water is dispersed over a smaller area.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, coils 34, 34 appear, in effect, to be substantial helical continuations of each other. They are in fact, separate but substantially identical sections of coiled tubing. As shown by arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2, fluid flows in opposite directions, clockwise and counter-clockwise respectively, about the common axis of coils 34,34.

The size and shape of the area sprinkled can be varied by adjusting the fanwise spread configuration of the head portions. The cyclic rate at which the fluid is projected from the separate head portions, and the distance projected, can be varied by adjusting either the fluid inlet pressure or the flow rate. This combination of adjustments enables it to be used in widely varying conditions ranging from open field irrigation to watering tiny flower gardens of many shapes and sizes, merely by adjusting the water pressure and by adjusting the fanwise configuration of the convolutions in the coil head portions.

I claim as my invention:

1. Fluid spreading apparatus adapted to be connected by conduit means with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure and comprising:

a discharge head structure including at least two spaced apart head portions, each said head portion having substantially linearly extending aperture means for emitting the fluid from the inside to the outside thereof;

said aperture means being adapted to direct the fluid outwardly from said head portions in different directions, respectively;

valve means connected to and between said head portions and adapted to be connected with said conduit means for controlling the flow of fluid therefrom to and through the aperture means of each said head portion;

said valve means being adapted in operation cyclically to effect a gradual increase in the flow of the fluid from said conduit means to and through the aperture means of one of said head portions and concurrently to effect a gradual decrease in the flow of the fluid from said conduit means to and through the aperture means of the other of said head portions, whereby gradually to increase the distance that the discharged fluid is projected from said one of said head portions while gradually decreasing the distance that the discharged fluid is projected from said other of said head portions; and

means for automatically operating said valve means.

2. Fluid spreading means according to claim 1 wherein the concurrent increase and decrease of the flow of the fluid through said aperture means of said head portions is reversed in alternate cycles of operation, whereby to provide oscillating appearance to the discharged fluid projected from said head portions.

3. Fluid spreading means according to claim 1 wherein each said head portion is adjustable to any position between a substantially upright position and a lateral position, whereby to vary the trajectory of the fluid projected through said aperture means of said head portion.

4. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said head portion includes one or more convolutions of a tubular coil.

5. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said head portion includes a plurality of upstanding convolutions of a coil of tubing and said aperture means comprises a plurality of radially outwardly directed fluid-emitting openings through the wall of said tubing in the upper portion of each said convolution.

6. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 5 wherein one end portion of said tubing in said coil is fixed against rotation about its own axis; and the other end portion of said tubing in said coil is rotatably adjustable about its own axis, whereby to change the angle of inclination and fanwise spread configuration of said convolutions to thereby vary the trajectory of fluid projected through said fluid-emitting openings.

7. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 6,

wherein one convolution of said plurality of convolutions includes said one end portion of said tubing;

another of said plurality of convolutions includes said other end portion of said tubing;

and at least one intermediate convolution is connected with and between said one convolution and said other convolution and is freely angularly movable upon rotatable adjustment of said other end portion of said tubing; and

said discharge head structure includes means for holding said other end portion of said tubing in a selected position of rotatable adjustment to maintain said plurality of convolutions in a selected fanwise spread configuration, whereby to maintain a corresponding selected adjustment in said trajectory of the fluid projected through said fluidemitting openings. 8. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said valve means comprises a casing having: a cylindrical bore defining a fluid distribution chamber, fluid inlet means adapted to connect said chamber with said conduit means, and a plurality of outlet ports connecting said chamber respectively with said head portions; and rotary valve member in said chamber effective when rotated to direct fluid flow from said fluid inlet means through said chamber to said outlet ports in sequence; and

said means for automatically operating said valve means is effective continuously to rotate said valve member.

, 9. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said rotary valve member is a spool rotatable about the center of said cylindrical bore and is provided with circumferentially spaced sectors which respectively gradually decrease and increase in radius in one rotative direction of said spool enabling fluid to flow through each of said outlet ports in a gradually increasing and decreasing cycle.

10. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for automatically operating said valve means includes a fluid pressure operated motor powered by the fluid flowing to said head portions.

11. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said valve means maintains some flow simultaneously to at least two of said head portions at all times.

12. Fluid spreading apparatus adapted to be connected by conduit means with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure and comprising:

a discharge head structure including two coil-type head portions mounted on a base and consisting of two coils of tubing extending in opposite directions along a common axis;

each said coil of tubing having a plurality of convolutions upstanding from said base with fluid-emitting aperture means in the upper, outer, peripheral portions of the convolutions and directed away from said base;

said tubing comprising said coils having adjacent inner end portions fixedly supported on said base, and having outer end portions rotatably supported on said base for independent rotatable adjustment about the respective axes of said outer end portions to vary the fanwise spread configuration of said plurality of convolutions in each said coil to thereby vary the trajectory of fluid emitted through said aperture means;

means for holding said outer end portion of said tubing of each said coil in a selected rotatably adjusted position to maintain a selected trajectory of fluid projected by each said coil;

valve means having a casing, said casing having:

an inlet port adapted to be connected with said conduit means, a pair of outlet ports connected respectively with said coils, and a movable flow diverter effective to connect said inlet port selectively with either of said outlet ports; and

operating means for said valve means effective to move said flow diverter to connect said inlet port with said outlet ports in alternate sequence.

13. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said coils are substantial helical continuations of each other, and fluid in said coils flows in opposite directions about said common axis.

14. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said casing for said valve means has a distribution chamber connected with said inlet port, and said casing has a pair of cylindrical seats controlling communication between said distribution chamber and said outlet ports; and

said flow diverter in said valve means is a spool in said distribution chamber, said spool being rotatable by said operating means and having a cylindrical sealing surface movable into and out of closing engagement with said cylindrical seats in alternate sequence.

15. Fluid spreading apparatus adapted to be connected by conduit means with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure and comprising:

a discharge head structure including a housing having upstanding wall means and an upper opening with removable cover means;

said cover means having mounted thereon at least two spaced apart head portions, each said portion having aperture means to emit fluid from the inside to the outside thereof and project said fluid in different directions;

said covermeans also having mounted thereon a valve casing with a cylindrical bore defining a distribution chamber communicating with the interior of said housing;

said valve casing having seats in said cylindrical bore,

and outlet ports for said distribution chamber connecting said seats respectively with said head portions;

a valve spool rotatably mounted within said distribution chamber and having a cylindrical sealing sector effective to close and open said seats sequentially when rotated;

said housing having fluid inlet means adapted to be connected with said conduit means, said fluid inlet means including an inlet nozzle directed toward the interior of said housing;

a fluid actuatable impeller rotatably supported in said housing and positioned for rotation by fluid entering said housing through said nozzle; and

drive means effective to rotate said valve spool in response to rotation of said impeller, whereby to project fluid from said head portions in sequence to simulate the appearance of fluid projected from a movable sprinkler element.

- UNITED STATES V PATENT semen sri MATE F EQ'HN Patent No- 3,680,783 Dated August 1,, 1972 Inve Edward M; Springer I It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent I and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Cancel columns 1 through- 4 in the grant (only) and substitute the attached sheets of columns 1 through 40 Signed and sealed this 19th day of December 1972::

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER.,JR. ROBERT GOT"lSCI-IALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-105O (10-69) USCOMM-D C 6O376- 6D US. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 O-S5G3S4, 

1. Fluid spreading apparatus adapted to be connected by conduit means with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure and comprising: a discharge head structure including at least two spaced apart head portions, each said head portion having substantially linearly extending aperture means for emitting the fluid from the inside to the outside thereof; said aperture means being adapted to direct the fluid outwardly from said head portions in different directions, respectively; valve means connected to and between said head portions and adapted to be connected with said conduit means for controlling the flow of fluid therefrom to and through the aperture means of each said head portion; said valve means being adapted in operation cyclically to effect a gradual increase in the flow of the flUid from said conduit means to and through the aperture means of one of said head portions and concurrently to effect a gradual decrease in the flow of the fluid from said conduit means to and through the aperture means of the other of said head portions, whereby gradually to increase the distance that the discharged fluid is projected from said one of said head portions while gradually decreasing the distance that the discharged fluid is projected from said other of said head portions; and means for automatically operating said valve means.
 2. Fluid spreading means according to claim 1 wherein the concurrent increase and decrease of the flow of the fluid through said aperture means of said head portions is reversed in alternate cycles of operation, whereby to provide oscillating appearance to the discharged fluid projected from said head portions.
 3. Fluid spreading means according to claim 1 wherein each said head portion is adjustable to any position between a substantially upright position and a lateral position, whereby to vary the trajectory of the fluid projected through said aperture means of said head portion.
 4. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said head portion includes one or more convolutions of a tubular coil.
 5. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said head portion includes a plurality of upstanding convolutions of a coil of tubing and said aperture means comprises a plurality of radially outwardly directed fluid-emitting openings through the wall of said tubing in the upper portion of each said convolution.
 6. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 5 wherein one end portion of said tubing in said coil is fixed against rotation about its own axis; and the other end portion of said tubing in said coil is rotatably adjustable about its own axis, whereby to change the angle of inclination and fanwise spread configuration of said convolutions to thereby vary the trajectory of fluid projected through said fluid-emitting openings.
 7. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one convolution of said plurality of convolutions includes said one end portion of said tubing; another of said plurality of convolutions includes said other end portion of said tubing; and at least one intermediate convolution is connected with and between said one convolution and said other convolution and is freely angularly movable upon rotatable adjustment of said other end portion of said tubing; and said discharge head structure includes means for holding said other end portion of said tubing in a selected position of rotatable adjustment to maintain said plurality of convolutions in a selected fanwise spread configuration, whereby to maintain a corresponding selected adjustment in said trajectory of the fluid projected through said fluid-emitting openings.
 8. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said valve means comprises a casing having: a cylindrical bore defining a fluid distribution chamber, fluid inlet means adapted to connect said chamber with said conduit means, and a plurality of outlet ports connecting said chamber respectively with said head portions; and a rotary valve member in said chamber effective when rotated to direct fluid flow from said fluid inlet means through said chamber to said outlet ports in sequence; and said means for automatically operating said valve means is effective continuously to rotate said valve member.
 9. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said rotary valve member is a spool rotatable about the center of said cylindrical bore and is provided with circumferentially spaced sectors which respectively gradually decrease and increase in radius in one rotative direction of said spool enabling fluid to flow through each of said outlet ports in a gradually increasing and decreasing cycle.
 10. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for automatically operaTing said valve means includes a fluid pressure operated motor powered by the fluid flowing to said head portions.
 11. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said valve means maintains some flow simultaneously to at least two of said head portions at all times.
 12. Fluid spreading apparatus adapted to be connected by conduit means with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure and comprising: a discharge head structure including two coil-type head portions mounted on a base and consisting of two coils of tubing extending in opposite directions along a common axis; each said coil of tubing having a plurality of convolutions upstanding from said base with fluid-emitting aperture means in the upper, outer, peripheral portions of the convolutions and directed away from said base; said tubing comprising said coils having adjacent inner end portions fixedly supported on said base, and having outer end portions rotatably supported on said base for independent rotatable adjustment about the respective axes of said outer end portions to vary the fanwise spread configuration of said plurality of convolutions in each said coil to thereby vary the trajectory of fluid emitted through said aperture means; means for holding said outer end portion of said tubing of each said coil in a selected rotatably adjusted position to maintain a selected trajectory of fluid projected by each said coil; valve means having a casing, said casing having: an inlet port adapted to be connected with said conduit means, a pair of outlet ports connected respectively with said coils, and a movable flow diverter effective to connect said inlet port selectively with either of said outlet ports; and operating means for said valve means effective to move said flow diverter to connect said inlet port with said outlet ports in alternate sequence.
 13. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said coils are substantial helical continuations of each other, and fluid in said coils flows in opposite directions about said common axis.
 14. Fluid spreading apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said casing for said valve means has a distribution chamber connected with said inlet port, and said casing has a pair of cylindrical seats controlling communication between said distribution chamber and said outlet ports; and said flow diverter in said valve means is a spool in said distribution chamber, said spool being rotatable by said operating means and having a cylindrical sealing surface movable into and out of closing engagement with said cylindrical seats in alternate sequence.
 15. Fluid spreading apparatus adapted to be connected by conduit means with a supply conduit of fluid under pressure and comprising: a discharge head structure including a housing having upstanding wall means and an upper opening with removable cover means; said cover means having mounted thereon at least two spaced apart head portions, each said portion having aperture means to emit fluid from the inside to the outside thereof and project said fluid in different directions; said cover means also having mounted thereon a valve casing with a cylindrical bore defining a distribution chamber communicating with the interior of said housing; said valve casing having seats in said cylindrical bore, and outlet ports for said distribution chamber connecting said seats respectively with said head portions; a valve spool rotatably mounted within said distribution chamber and having a cylindrical sealing sector effective to close and open said seats sequentially when rotated; said housing having fluid inlet means adapted to be connected with said conduit means, said fluid inlet means including an inlet nozzle directed toward the interior of said housing; a fluid actuatable impeller rotatably supported in said housing and positioned for rotation by fluid entering said housing through said nozzle; and drive means effective to rotAte said valve spool in response to rotation of said impeller, whereby to project fluid from said head portions in sequence to simulate the appearance of fluid projected from a movable sprinkler element. 